tattoo

Meaning

Noun

1. An image made in the skin with ink and a needle.
2. A method of decorating the skin by inserting colored substances under the surface with a sharp instrument (usually a solenoid-driven needle).

Verb

1. To apply a tattoo to (someone or something).
2. To hit the ball hard, as if to figuratively leave a tattoo on the ball.

Verb

To tap rhythmically on, to drum.

Concepts

tattoo

carve

tattooing

tatu

design

incision

cut

incise

tatt

engrave

inlay

write

pony

emblem

mark

symbol

bugle call

puncture

stigmatize

markings

spots

stripes

incisions

scarification

mole

taps

paint

adorn

decorate

adornment

ornament

tat

Pronounced as (IPA)

/tæˈtuː/

Etymology

From earlier tattaow, tattow, a borrowing from a Polynesian language, e.g. Samoan tatau (“tattoo; to tap, to strike”).